Commentary

Opinion: Let one down, let all down

Sgt. Daniel Malta Desert Warrior Staff

Everybody has their job, and from time to time everyone fails to accomplish their job. What separates the men and women who fail is the integrity to own up to the mistake, which is easily the most difficult part of any job.

When it comes down to it, that brief moment of uncertainty before deciding on whether or not to own up is so stressful that sweeping the problem under the rug for a later date is usually the more enticing decision.

The problem is it always resurfaces and by that time has grown into a huge uncontrollable lie that is going to get you in trouble or possibly fired.

This may be reason enough to do the right thing but all in all is a selfish reason. Why should the only motivating force behind doing the right thing be just, â€œI donâ€™t want to get in troubleâ€?

What kind of person doesnâ€™t think about everything else they affect by making a decision?

At work, there are people above and beneath you and almost always that relationship you share with those people is symbiotic. They need you just as much as you need them and everybody serves their purpose. When thereâ€™s a break in the chain, everyone suffers in one way or another because the obligation between everyone has failed.

When something breaks or fails, thatâ€™s usually not a good sign. It diminishes not only the integrity of the individual but the collective or organization he falls under.

For example, if one Marine does something horrible while deployed and it goes viral, the rest of the Marine Corps is labeled for whatever was shown, which intern discredits the mission of the Corps and everything Marines stand for. The recent examples are clear examples of this, with the media and social backlash becoming a problem for commands everywhere.

By joining the Marine Corps, we became a part of something bigger, and the sooner we realize â€œNo man is an island, entire of itself,â€ the sooner we can really start to benefit each other.

Though, maybe your understanding of semantics isnâ€™t the issue, and you truly are a selfish person. Well that quote from John Donne can just as easily apply to you.

No one goes out of their way to help someone who consistently shows themselves to be selfish. Friendship, help, advice, and many other intangible goods that you might depend on one day will be completely out of reach because of that selfish lifestyle or thought process.

People are inherently good and regardless of whatever mistake you may have made, honesty will always be the prevailing trait next to failure.

Itâ€™s important to remember this, even more important to note most people forget that. It starts with the individual to change who you are.

Local Military Discounts

Pentagon Channel

Courtesy photograph Retired Col. Lee Ellis, a prisoner of war who spent five and a half years in the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War, spoke at the Air Force Academy’s National Character and Leadership Sy...

An individual or individuals claiming to be “Exchange Inc.” have been placing advertisements in auto magazines and commercial newspapers, leading Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers to believe they’...

YUMA, Ariz. – In the wake of a recent tragedy, everyone from politicians to the talking heads in the media to the average Joe on the street has been talking about gun control. So far, the one measurable result of all this talk has been an explosion in the sales of firearms people fear may...

There is something to say about a lower enlisted Marine with an opinion, and that is they should have a limited one especially when time is of the essence. For most young Marines in the Corps words like, “We don’t pay you to think,” have been said to them on more than one occasion. There...

1.) What services do chaplains offer to military personnel? We offer spiritual guidance and advice but also counseling. So if Marines or Sailors come in with marriage problems or stress at work they can come and speak with a chaplain. Some of us have professional degrees but most don’t so it’s not like talking to...

What is Christmas to you? For me it is my favorite time of the year! As a Christian, I do celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The greatest gift the world has ever or will ever receive. But, not everyone believes as I do. So, what does Christmas mean to you? Too me, I love...

Information

Publisher

Disclaimer

The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the Marine Corps, MCAS Yuma or Aerotech News and Review, Inc., of the products and services advertised.The views and comments expressed in the opinion articles are the author’s individual opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the DoD, the U.S. Marine Corps, MCAS Yuma, or Aerotech News and Review, Inc.